Prize-winning Hartlepool family set to have Christmas to remember

Daniel Prince

A Hartlepool family who suffered a heartbreaking loss are ‘on cloud nine’ after winning a Christmas to remember.

Susan Harrison, of Blakelock Road, and her family have won a Christmas prize package courtesy of Mecca Bingo.

Susan and Colin Harrison with their daughters Holly, left, and Bethany.

The bingo company searched for five deserving families to win the package, which contains everything the winners need, from decorations to food and presents.

Susan lost her husband Colin, 52, in February, and supports herself and her two daughters Holly, 13, and Bethany, 16.

In 2014, Holly and Bethany won a Shrievalty Award after becoming registered carers with Hartlepool Young Carers, helping their mum care for their dad Colin, who had type 2 diabetes.

Susan was nominated for the Mecca prize by her colleague and friend, Jenni Foster, for her commitment and dedication to Hartlepool Carers, which she has volunteered for since Colin’s passing, as an admin worker and receptionist.

I was in total shock, and was on cloud nine for about three days

Susan Harrison

She has now taken on more of a supporting role for five days a week, and recently planned an event for 120 carers, while she also studies business administration at Hartlepool Adult Education Centre.

On her prize win, Susan, 42, said: “Winning this prize means more to me and my family than anyone will ever know.

!This is the first Christmas we will have without Colin, and I want to make it as special as possible for Holly, Bethany and my parents, who have all helped me get through this difficult time.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had won. I was in total shock, and was on cloud nine for about three days.

From left to right, Holly Harrison, Susan Harrison, Jenni Foster and Bethany Harrison.

“It was totally amazing, as I didn’t dream that I would win it. I can’t wait for the girls to receive all of their presents this year and I’m sure they’ll be delighted when they see all of their Christmas lists have been ticked off thanks to Mecca Bingo.”

Included on Susan’s prize list is an iPad mini each for her two girls, while the family will also receive a bumper package of Christmas food.

She added: “I’d like to say a big thanks to my parents, Margaret and David Stable, who have given me an immense amount of support over the last year, as have the staff at Hartlepool Carers.

“I’d also like to thank Linda Rowe, from Hartlepool Carers, for finding the article from Mecca which mentioned about the award, and Jenni for nominating me.

Steve Jones, manager at Susan’s local Mecca club, Mecca Hartlepool, said: “Christmas is a magical time when many of us look forward to spending time at home with our families, enjoying all the usual festive traditions.

“However, if you’ve had a difficult year or have been extremely busy helping others, pulling together all the necessary presents, food and trimmings can be more than a little stressful.

“That’s why we set out to make life easy for five worthy families by providing everything they need for a special, and more importantly stress-free, Christmas.

“Susan has been a member here for the last six months, and we’re thrilled that she can give her family an extra special festive season and hope that they have a perfect Christmas Day.”

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